Saratoga Springs’ Broadway is the kind of main street that makes you want to slow down, wander, and soak it all in.
The historic downtown, just a short drive from Albany and only about 3.5–4 hours from NYC, has been recognized for its lively culture, boutique-lined sidewalks, and photogenic charm — and it’s easy to see why locals and visitors alike keep returning.
It’s also part of what makes Saratoga Springs one of New York’s top college towns, blending youthful energy with historic sophistication.
Recently, WorldAtlas named Broadway one of the 10 standout main streets in New York, joining a list of downtowns praised for walkability, character, and cultural highlights.
And Broadway lives up to the hype.
From its theaters and boutique shops to cafés and vintage arcades, the street is packed with things to see, do, and taste — all framed by Congress Park and the city’s signature historic architecture.
A main strip with a historical past
Broadway wasn’t just built to be a street — it was designed to impress.
As the story goes, town founder Gideon Putnam laid out the wide thoroughfare in the early 1800s, aiming to create a grand resort community.
It connected the “Upper Village” near High Rock Spring with the “Lower Village” at Congress Spring and was once lined with opulent hotels, including the massive Grand Union Hotel.
While many of those hotels are now gone, Broadway’s sweeping sidewalks, Colonial Revival, and Beaux-Arts buildings still convey a sense of old-world glamour.
Through careful preservation and revitalization beginning in the 1960s, Broadway has regained its vitality, blending historic charm with contemporary flair — from high-end boutiques to cozy cafés!
Must-see shops & spots along the lovely Broadway
The Adelphi Hotel – A stunning Victorian gem right on Broadway with porches overlooking the main street, elegant bars, in-house dining rooms, and accommodation.
Northshire Bookstore – A cute family-run indie bookstore that sells books, stationery, magazines, cards, calendars, and so much more.
Saratoga Trunk – An upscale women’s store that sells apparel and signature race-day hats.
Impressions of Saratoga – A classic Saratoga Springs-themed gift shop with racing-themed gifts and local souvenirs.
The Historic Canfield Casino – Just off Broadway and tucked into Congress Park, this National Historic Landmark was once a gambling hotspot, now a museum and events space.
Forno Bistro – A lovely Italian restaurant in a historic old firehouse building serving traditional Tuscan recipes.
Salt & Char – Located inside The Adelphi Hotel, this steakhouse is one of the town’s best, and is right on Broadway.
Darling Doughnuts – Only open sine 2020, this spot sells the most tasty and creative doughnuts you’ll ever try —coffee, tea, and other things too.
Mrs. London’s Bakery – A staple on Broadway for over 20 years, the bakery serves an extensive repertoire of breakfast pastries, breads, desserts, drinks and savory lunch options.
Events & yearly happenings on Broadway
Broadway is the center of Saratoga Springs’ social life, especially during racing season.
From mid-July through Labor Day in particular, the street buzzes with energy as visitors dress up for the track and spill into restaurants, bars, and shops. Other seasonal highlights include:
- Chowderfest – Winter’s biggest downtown festival, drawing crowds for local chowder competitions. The next one is in the coming months— February 7, 2026.
- Belmont on Broadway – Horse racing events transform the street with live music and free concerts. This usually happens during the summer in June! (2025’s has passed).
- Holiday happenings – Broadway becomes a holiday wonderland come end of year— like the Saratoga Tree Lighting on December 4 and the Saratoga Festival of Trees from December 3 – 7.
Nearby attractions right off the main strip
Broadway sits at the heart of it all, but there’s so much more in the town to explore too.
These have to be on your bucket list should you make the weekend trip:
- Congress Park – The town’s beautiful year-round public park that’s home to lush green space, a historic wooden carousel, mineral springs, and more.
- Saratoga Race Course – The world-famous thoroughbred racing venue that defines the city’s culture. Races usually happen annually during the summer and people flock from all over the country to check out the sporting spectacle.
- Mineral Springs – Taste-test the naturally carbonated mineral waters from springs that first put Saratoga Springs on the map as a historic health resort.
How to get there from NYC
Saratoga Springs is roughly a 3.5–4 hour drive north of Manhattan via I-87.
For those without a car, Amtrak trains connect Penn Station to Saratoga Springs in just over four hours, making it an easy weekend getaway as well!